December 12, 2016

The Human Rights Commission has welcomed Prime Minister Bill English’s statement that he would vote differently on gay marriage if it came up to the vote now.

The Marriage Amendment Act 2013 allowed same-sex and transgender New Zealanders to marry. At the time Mr English and 43 other MPs voted against, while 77 MPs voted for the act.

Today Mr English announced he would now vote in favour of the law change.

“We welcome Prime Minister English’s support for marriage equality and the rights of thousands of New Zealanders to marry,” said Human Rights Commissioner Richard Tankersley.

“Having the courage to challenge your own views and to do so publicly is a rare but valuable quality in any leader.”

“We would also like to pay tribute to those 77 MPs who stood alongside LGBTI New Zealanders three years ago and argued for our right to be treated equally in our own homeland. Nga mihi nui kia koutou."